Forest travelled to Bramall Lane on Easter Monday looking to build on Saturdays last gasp victory over Bristol City, and in the process move further away from that dreaded relegation zone.

Many Reds fans could be forgiven for thinking Colin Calderwood is still in charge of the club such is the chopping and changing in Billy Davies’ team selection. Loan keeper Iain Turner and striker Robert Earnshaw were ruled out by injury and Joel Lynch was unable to travel due to family bereavements. Guy Moussi also made way as Paul Anderson found himself demoted to the substitute’s bench.

The Reds did well in the early stages forcing a series of free kick in dangerous positions against a Blades side which has been in fine form recently. However, all of the early work seemed to have been undone when Kelvin Wilson’s moment of madness saw the visitors reduced to ten men with little more than a quarter of an hour on the watch. Wilson gave the ref no option after head butting United’s Greg Halford right in front of the official.

Having been forced to re-organise, Forest managed to keep the Blades at bay for the remainder of the first period. Halford’s far post header forced a decent save out of Paul Smith whilst at the other end Dexter Blackstock’s header was easily saved by Paddy Kenny.

As expected, the home side dominated after the break, but to their credit Forest defended stoutly, reducing United to just a few half chances. Arturo Lupoli’s late effort flew inches wide and Halford’s free kick tested Smith but defeat would have been rough justice on the Reds who themselves had chances towards the end through Lewis McGugan’s free kick and Luke Chambers who should have done better when in space on the edge of the box.

Despite one or two lucky escapes Forest deservedly held on for a vital point which could be crucial come the end of the season.

Forest: Smith, Chambers, Morgan, Breckin, Wilson, Garner (McCleary 68), Osbourne, Perch, Cohen (McGugan 76), Gunter, Blackstock (Anderson 57).